AN ACT directing the department of health and human services, division of aging and adult services, to update the strategic state plan for alzheimer's disease and related dementias (the dementia‑capable north carolina state plan) at least once every four years.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  G.S. 143B‑181.1 reads as rewritten:

§ 143B‑181.1.  Division of Aging and Adult Services. – creation, powers and duties.

(a)        There is hereby created within the office of the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services a Division of Aging, Aging and Adult Services, which shall have the following functions and duties:

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(13)      To develop a strategic State plan for Alzheimer's disease. disease and related dementias, which shall be known as the Dementia‑Capable North Carolina State Plan. By January 1, 2025, and quadrennially thereafter, the Division of Aging and Adult Services shall update and submit the plan to the General Assembly. The plan shall address ways to improve at least all of the following with respect to Alzheimer's disease:disease and related dementias:

a.         Statewide awareness and education.

b.         Early detection and diagnosis.

c.         Care coordination.

d.         Quality of care.

e.         Health care system capacity.

f.          Training for health care professionals.

g.         Access to treatment.

h.         Home‑ and community‑based services.

i.          Long‑term care.

j.          Caregiver assistance.

k.         Research.

l.          Brain health.

m.        Data collection.

n.         Public safety and safety‑related needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.disease and related dementias.

o.         Legal protections for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their caregivers.

p.         State policies to assist individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, and their families.

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SECTION 2.  Throughout the General Statutes, the Revisor of Statutes shall replace the phrase Division of Aging with the phrase Division of Aging and Adult Services.

SECTION 3.  This act is effective when it becomes law.